Faith Covenant for Cornwall
Cornwall Council’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2022-2026 includes an objective to explore the development of a Faith Covenant. There is also an Easy Read version of the Strategy.
Objective 21 states ‘The opportunity for a Faith Covenant is explored with our faith-based organisations to ensure that we work constructively and effectively together.’
This page summarises the work being carried out to achieve this objective.
Cornwall’s faith communities already contribute extensively to the communities of Cornwall through their programmes of community action. The Faith Covenant for Cornwall recognises and builds on that work.
What is a Faith Covenant?
A Faith Covenant is a joint commitment between faith communities and local authorities to a set of principles that guide engagement, aiming to improve partnership working and promote open, practical working on all levels.
The Faith Covenant vision for Cornwall is:
“A welcoming, safe and flourishing place in which to live, work and grow up. In Cornwall’s communities, people from all backgrounds trust and support each other and can realise their full potential. We work together to create a fairer, more inclusive Cornwall developing our shared values while celebrating our diverse communities”.
Faith Covenants were developed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Faith and Society. Faith Covenants have now been signed by 32 local authorities covering over 9 million people. To date, no South West local authority or rural council has a faith covenant in place. (Information correct at 31/10/2024).
Between 15 July and 20 September 2024, we undertook a process of engagement with our faith communities, relevant Cornwall Council services and colleagues and other interested parties. This was to raise awareness of the Faith Covenant and ensure that people.
- Had the opportunity to review the draft Faith Covenant document.
- Had the opportunity to provide input into an initial work plan for the Faith Covenant Group by identifying key priority areas.
Feedback and comment was provided through a survey and various networks. This informed the final Faith Covenant document.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback.
